Narcotics Case Convict Climbs 7 Meters Wall Escapes From Pangkalpinang Prison

PANGKALPINANG - Head of the Class IIA Narcotics Correctional Institution (Kalapas) Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Sugeng Hardono will evaluate the standard operating procedure (SOP) after the escape incident for narcotics prisoners.

"Although the SOP for security in prisons is considered quite capable, in fact there is still a gap for inmates to escape," said Sugeng Hardono in a written statement received in Jakarta as reported by Antara, Tuesday, February 15.

The inmate who escaped on Sunday, February 13 was named Ruslim (28). Ruslim has just served a prison term of about 1.5 years from a criminal sentence of seven years, a subsidiary of six months and a fine of Rp. 800 thousand.

The Central Lampung resident escaped from the Class IIA Pangkalpinang Narcotics Prison by climbing the 7-meter prison wall at around 16.00 WIB, in the midst of heavy rain and strong winds.

Sugeng continued, so far his party routinely patrols four times a day in prisons. Due to this incident, patrols were increased to six to eight times.

"What is clear is that we are taking lessons. Maybe all this time we felt that the seven-meter-high wall was impassable, (but) it turned out to be possible. In the future, we must increase our vigilance," he said.

Currently, the joint team that was formed continues to hunt down the inmates' whereabouts. According to Sugeng, it is believed that Ruslim's escape was not too far away, considering that he did not have any means of communication and did not have enough money.

He appealed to people who find or recognize Ruslim's characteristics to immediately report to the police, prisons and the nearest detention center. "These Muslim characteristics have been released by the police," said Sugeng.